INGROWN TOE NAIL:

WHY DO THEY
HAPPEN

WARNING
THIS PRESENTATION MAY CONTAINS
SENSITIVE CONTENT.
• An ingrown toenail, also known as
onychocryptosis or unguis
incarnatus, is a painful condition
of the toe. It occurs when a sharp
corner or edge of the toenail digs
into the skin at the end of or side
of the toe. 
• Pain and inflammation at the spot
where the nail curls into the skin
occurs first. Later, the inflamed
area can begin to grow extra tissue
or drain yellowish fluid.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INGROWN
TOENAIL?
 cutting toenails incorrectly
 irregular, curved toenails
 footwear that places a lot of
pressure on the big toes, such as
socks and stockings that are too
tight or shoes that are too tight,
narrow, or flat for your feet
 poor posture
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INGROWN
TOENAIL?
 toenail injury, including stubbing your
toe, dropping something heavy on
your foot, or kicking a ball repeatedly
 improper foot hygiene, such as not
keeping your feet clean or dry
 genetic predisposition
 Using your feet extensively during
athletic activities
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INGROWN
TOENAIL?
Early-stage symptoms include:
 skin next to the nail becoming
tender, swollen, or hard
 pain when pressure is placed on the
toe
 fluid building up around the toe
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INGROWN
TOENAIL?
If your toe becomes infected,
symptoms may include:
 red, swollen skin
 pain
 bleeding
 oozing pus
 overgrowth of skin around the toe
HOW INGROWN TOENAILS DIAGNOSE?

Physical Exam
inspecting the skin along the
edge of the nail. If the nail seems
to be growing over the nail or
underneath the skin, and if the
skin is swollen and tender, it is
likely an ingrown toenail.
HOW INGROWN TOENAILS DIAGNOSE?

X-RAY
If the toe seems infected, it might
need an X-ray to show how deep the
nail has grown into the skin. An X-ray
can also reveal the ingrown nail was
caused by injury.
TREATMENT OPTIONS: HOME TREATMENT

Soaking feet with warm

water

Using over-the-counter
drugs
TREATMENT OPTIONS: SURGICAL
TREATMENT

Partial Nail Removal

Total Nail Removal

COMPLICATIONS OF AN INGROWN TOENAIL

Infection

Tissue decay
HOW TO PREVENT AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

Trim nails straight across

Avoid cutting to short
Wear proper fitting shoes, socks,
and tights.
Wear steel-toe boots if you work
in hazardous conditions.
See a podiatrist regularly for
professional trimming
 HOW TO PREVENT AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

Trim nails straight across

Avoid cutting to short
Wear proper fitting shoes, socks,
and tights.
Wear steel-toe boots if you work
in hazardous conditions.
See a podiatrist regularly for
professional trimming
HOW TO PREVENT AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

Trim nails straight across

Avoid cutting to short
Wear proper fitting shoes, socks,
and tights.
Wear steel-toe boots if you work
in hazardous conditions.
See a podiatrist regularly for
professional trimming
HOW TO PREVENT AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

Trim nails straight across

Avoid cutting to short
Wear proper fitting shoes, socks,
and tights.
Wear steel-toe boots if you work
in hazardous conditions.
See a podiatrist regularly for
professional trimming
HOW TO PREVENT AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

Trim nails straight across

Avoid cutting to short
Wear proper fitting shoes, socks,
and tights.
Wear steel-toe boots if you work
in hazardous conditions.
See a podiatrist regularly for
professional trimming
WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE SEEK MEDICAL
CARE FOR AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
Anytime an ingrown toenail has developed into an infection it is wise
to seek medical attention. Even if the ingrown toenail is only inflamed
without infection, see a doctor if the following conditions also occur:

If it has been more than five years since the last tetanus booster shot
If there is no improvement after three days of home care
If someone has diabetes, poor circulation, AIDS, are on chemotherapy,
or have another reason for poor wound healing or an increased risk of
infection
DOES THE TOENAILS GROW AFTER A
PARTIAL/TOTAL REMOVAL?
 The toe usually heals well after this procedure. The primary
concern is whether the nail will become ingrown again, which
can occur even after destruction of the nail-growing cells.
The overall rate for recurrence of an ingrown toenail is 10%-
34%.
If part of the toenail was removed, it will grow back within 12
months.
THANK YOU!